Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown showcased exactly why he's been named an All-Star starter, delivering a standout performance that left fans buzzing. In a commanding 121-110 victory over the Golden State Warriors, Brown notched an impressive 23-point triple-double, a rare achievement for the five-time All-Star, marking only the fifth of his decade-long career.
This wasn't just any triple-double; it was a masterclass. Brown set a new personal best with 13 assists and matched his career-high with 15 rebounds, setting a season-high in the process. Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised Brown's court vision, saying, "He had a clear understanding of what the advantage was every time down the floor."
From the get-go, Brown was in command, contributing eight points and four rebounds in the opening quarter. His ability to read the Warriors' defensive schemes and make smart decisions was evident.
"Golden State challenges your ability to make rim reads," Mazzulla noted. "Tonight, he excelled at finding the right play, whether for himself or his teammates.
His pace and poise were exceptional, and he consistently recognized the two-on-one opportunities."
Brown's prowess on the boards often flies under the radar, but it was crucial in this game. As his teammates heated up in the middle quarters, Brown shifted focus, picking his scoring moments wisely and dominating the glass.
"We're at our best when he defends at a high level and takes accountability for his rebounding," Mazzulla added. "His rebounding was outstanding on both ends."
Thursday's performance was another testament to Brown's impact on the glass, marking his 10th double-digit rebounding game of the season. In those games, the Celtics have suffered only one loss.
It's clear that when Boston struggles, it's often due to rebounding issues. Brown has taken it upon himself to address this, averaging 7.3 rebounds per game since December, up from 5.8 earlier in the season.
Brown's commitment to his team is palpable. "We came out aggressive and played great basketball," he shared postgame.
"I like the way our team is looking. Offensively, we're finding our pace and rhythm.
Defensively, there's room for growth, but we've got some good tests ahead."
Brown's leadership and dedication are driving the Celtics forward, and if this game is any indication, they're on a promising path.